diversity, equity,
and inclusion
Acknowledging and addressing the systemic inequities and oppression of marginalized communities, both internally and externally, is an essential step in our mission to cultivate an equitable future for youth in Indianapolis through a resilient food system.
This policy of diversity, equity, and inclusion ties into our strategic plan. Our organization not only has an opportunity but also a responsibility to positively impact our staff, board, volunteers, and community.
We strive to be an anti-racist, anti-hunger organization by supporting food security for youth in Indianapolis and providing opportunities for self-sufficiency through the lens of equity. That means that we are committed to actively identifying, challenging, and changing the values, structures, and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism both in our organization and our community.
We envision a society with a just, equitable food system and will continually ensure that our policies, practices, and programs consider and seek to address societal inequities that disproportionately impact historically and economically marginalized communities such as: Black, Indigenous, Latinx, POC, Multi-Racial, LGBTQ, and People with Disabilities.
Our commitments
Diversity, equity, and inclusion must be integrated into every part of our work. We acknowledge that we are not where we want to be, but we are committed to revisiting and refining these commitments as we continue to evolve through education and experience. We acknowledge our small role in a large, complicated food system and pledge to align with other organizations that share our vision.
Using our minds, we commit to:
Never stop learning. Provide our staff, board, and volunteers with required, continuous-learning opportunities in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Question and re-evaluate our internal policies in pursuit of self-reflection, knowledge, and growth.
Foster an inclusive workplace that reflects the rich diversity of our community.
Using our hands, we commit to:
Amplify the voices of parents and guardians, school staff, and students to be the primary drivers of our work.
Listen to and uplift the diverse experiences and voices of our volunteers, staff, board, and community in our decision making processes.
Implement sustainable farming practices that nourish the soil and cause no harm to people or the planet.
Support BIPOC-led businesses when possible and pursue partnerships with organizations with shared values.
Using our voice, we commit to:
Be transparent in our practices and policies, goals, accomplishments, and shortcomings.
Champion a just and equitable food system by addressing not only one’s right to food security, but also the systemic issues that have created an intentionally inequitable food system.
Speak truth to power in the face of injustice.
What does Access Equity Opportunity through food mean?
ACCESS
Food is a right. Indianapolis ranks worst in the nation for access to fresh foods. Food security means access to foods that address dietary needs, food preferences, cultural relevance, and consistency of meals. We support food security for kids in Indianapolis by providing consistent meals made from scratch with high-quality ingredients.
EQUITY
The playing field is not level for everyone and food insecurity is common in communities with limited income and resources. Equity means everyone has the tools they need for self-sufficiency, or the ability to cover basic necessities including food, housing, healthcare, and childcare. To promote social justice and amplify the power of food as a tool for equity and self-sufficiency, we provide hands-on educational programming both in and out of the classroom to increase kids’ awareness, connection, and excitement about food for youth of all ages as well as transferable skills and paid job experience for teens in growing food, culinary arts, and hospitality.
OPPORTUNITY
The opportunity for experience is essential in learning transferable skills that can lead to long-term self-sufficiency. The Patachou Foundation’s work does not only satisfy the immediate need for food. We empower youth to grow and cook food for themselves and their families. In addition, we leverage food and the food system as vehicles for economic opportunity so that interested youth have a clear pathway to an above living-wage job in the food system.
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